While it does seem like an odd coupling initially, the latest designer/store collaboration between the venerable Neiman Marcus and Target, along with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), is definitely a welcomed one. 

I'm not exactly sure when the phenomenon of doing these collaborations started, but with pairings such as Jimmy Choo, Versace and Marni slipping into bed with H&M, and Missoni cozying up to Target recently, if nothing else, I suppose it allows the 98% of the country to feel "sophisticatedly upscale" for a change, while most likely irritating the 2% to no end! Starting tomorrow, December 1st, twenty-four of some of the world's most famous and fashionable designers, from Rag & Bone, Marc Jacobs and Thom Browne to Tracy Reese, Diane von Furstenberg and Tory Burch, as well as Southern California's favorite daughters, Pasadena's Karen & Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, will have their limited-edition wares featured at both stores. And what an offering there will be: clothing, dinnerware, studded gloves, serving trays, plus plenty more. 

I really like the Altuzarra black, mahogany-framed tray with gold detail and the "fashion" cookie cutters by Band of Outsiders. I can't imagine you not being able to find something for someone on your Christmas list this holiday season. Happy shopping! 

TOP ROW: Alice + Olivia, Altuzarra, Band of Outsiders, Brian Atwood, Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenberg, Eddie Borgo. MIDDLE ROW: Jason Wu, Judith Leiber, Lela Rose, Marc Jacobs, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Phillip Cranji, Prabal Gurung, BOTTOM ROW: Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, Robert Rodriguez, Rodarte, Skaist-Taylor, Thom Browne, Tory Burch and Tracy Reese.

Images and video via Target.com

For those of you NOT adventurous enough to go towards any shopping area today, he's a little something to keep you entertained while waiting for the brave ones to return home. Enjoy.

Thanksgiving Feasting

When the Halloween pumpkins are gone,
And the leaves have all fallen to the ground,
When the air has turned windy and cold,
Then Thanksgiving will soon be around.

Thoughts of loved ones all feasting together,
Pleasant pictures from past times appear
To dwell in each heart and each mind-
Then Thanksgiving is finally here!

The kitchen has scrumptious aromas,
The dining room looks oh, so fine,
Decorations with pilgrims and turkeys,
And now we are ready to dine!

First the napkins are placed on our laps;
Now the prayer for the meal to be blessed,
Then we stuff the good food in our tummies,
And we hope for it all to digest!

J. Fuchs

The Ice Kingdom finally arrived at the world-famous Queen Mary, in Long Beach, last Saturday. Looking at the video it really looks like it will be great fun for the entire family or even as a date night. 

Having used three types of ice (crystal, white & colored), totaling 2 million pounds, to create this magnificent winter wonderland, ice artisans from all over the world have definitely given sunny southern Californians something unique to be overjoyed this holiday season. With Ice Skating, a Fairytale Castle, Santa's Toyland, Penguins, and a Nativity carved out of mammoth blocks of ice, the only visual drawback to this White Christmas may be the final tally printed on your receipt.

QUEEN MARY
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(877) 342-0738 
QUEENMARY.COM
November 17, 2012 - January 6, 2013

PRICES:
Adults: $24.95
Children (5-12): $19.95
Children 4 & Under: FREEIce Slide (5 Runs): $12.95 Extra
Ice Skating: $12.95 Extra
Skate Rental: $2.95
(Day Visit To The Queen Mary included in Price)

November Comes

November comes 
And November goes, 
With the last red berries 
And the first white snows.

With night coming early, 
And dawn coming late, 
And ice in the bucket 
And frost by the gate.

The fires burn 
And the kettles sing, 
And earth sinks to rest 
Until next spring.

Clyde Watson